Typically double the weight and twice as thick as standard coins, Piedfort coins are coveted by collectors. But how much do you know about these rare and highly collectable coins?
How Do You Pronounce ‘Piedfort’?
Piedfort’ is a French word, it should be pronounced ‘Pee-ay-fore’, although it is commonly pronounced ‘PYED-fort’.
What Is A Piedfort Coin?
Piedfort coins are originally associated with France where they can be traced back to the twelfth century. These special coins were given the name ‘Piedfort’ meaning ‘heavy foot’ or ‘heavy measure’ because they are double the thickness and weight of standard coins. Piedfort coins were later struck less frequently in England, although thicker silver pennies were issued during the reign of Edward I in the thirteenth century. Modern Piedfort coins are not usually issued for circulation but as pieces for collectors to admire due to their rarity and the high level of craftsmanship required to produce them.
George Orwell 2025 UK £2 Silver Piedfort Proof Coin
Why Are Piedfort Coins Thicker?
During the Middle Ages, coins were struck at regional mints at different locations throughout England and not just in London. It is likely that Piedfort coins were produced to be used as patterns and sent to engravers across the country to show them the proposed designs they should follow when creating dies for standard coins. Making these pattern coins thicker would help ensure that they were not mixed up with circulating coins as legal tender. The practice of producing thicker coins for this purpose stopped in England during the sixteenth century with the last known example being a Sixpence struck in 1588. The production of Piedfort coins continued in France for another 150 years.
Why Should I Collect Piedfort Coins?
Piedfort coins are always in demand from collectors looking for superior pieces. Collectors often prize Piedfort coins because of their extremely low mintages, but also because of the exquisite craftmanship that is required to make them. Like all Proof coins, Piedfort coins are struck more than once using a higher level of care and attention, ensuring sharper details of the design and a higher-quality finish. The thickness and weight of the coin adds to its appeal. These rare and unusual coins make a highly desirable and collectable addition to any coin collection.
Piedfort Coins As Royal Prestige Pieces
From the mid-sixteenth to the mid-seventeenth century, rulers across Europe started the tradition of gifting Piedfort coins to visiting dignitaries and members of their court. Some monarchs and noblemen had extra thick coins struck, either to display or to give as gifts, as a way of demonstrating their wealth and power. The tradition of gifting Piedfort coins as prestige pieces seems to have faded during the eighteenth century.
When Did Piedfort Coins Become Available To The Public?
In the 1890s, the Monnaie de Paris in France started striking modern Piedforts on a regular basis to satisfy demand from keen collectors. But The Royal Mint did not make a UK version of the modern Piedfort that was available to the public until the 1980s. Since 1982, The Royal Mint has produced extremely limited numbers of Piedforts in sterling silver to Proof quality. They are normally struck to commemorate special anniversaries or to celebrate a brand-new design.
